Broadcast method and system

ABSTRACT

A method and system for airing broadcast signals is disclosed. Preferably, the system includes a production truck interface panel receiving a broadcast signal. A transmission relay circuit relays the signal from the interface panel to a broadcast network, and preferably including a broadcast signal detection circuit, and a signal processing circuit. The detection circuit determines a signal type of the broadcast signal, and the signal processing circuit processes the determined signal type. The system preferably further includes an operations control station displaying the determined type of broadcast signal. The method for airing broadcast signals over the broadcast network preferably includes the steps of providing the broadcast signal to the transmission relay circuit, detecting the broadcast signal type with the broadcast signal sensing and discerning circuit; and reconfiguring the signal processing circuit when the configuration of the signal processing circuit does not support transmission of the determined broadcast signal type.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention relates generally to the field of signalprocessing and transmission and more particularly, but not by way oflimitation, to a system and associated method for processing,distributing, and broadcasting television signals.

BACKGROUND

Systems and methods for televising events, such as live sporting events,are known and have been in place for at least a half century, and fornearly all of that time analog video signal generation and processingequipment was not only the preferred approach to televisionbroadcasting, it was the only approach to television broadcasting.

Within the North American broadcast market, NTSC analog video signalshad been the standard for the broadcast industry since 1940 when theFederal Communications Commission adopted the standard, however morerecently a number of alternate digital signaling technologies have comeinto use and have changed the dynamics of how events are broadcast.Those signaling technologies currently include ASI digital videosignals, DS-3 digital video transport signals, SDI digital videotransport signals, and HD-SDI digital video transport signals.

The multiplicity of signal types, combined with the use of a backbonesof information networks for high speed, and world wide deployment ofevent broadcasts have created difficulties in assuring properconfiguration of equipment is present and fully operative through outthe operative broadcast network. Accordingly, as market pressurescontinue to demand higher quality, live, reliable broadcasts (availableworld wide), challenges remain and a need persists for improvements inmethods and apparatuses for use in broadcast processing anddistribution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with preferred embodiments, a method for airing abroadcast signal over a broadcast network preferably includes the stepsof, providing a broadcast signal to a transmission relay circuit,determining the broadcast signal type with a broadcast signal sensingand discerning circuit, and reconfiguring a signal processing circuit ofthe transmission relay circuit when the configuration of the signalprocessing circuit does not support transmission of the determinedbroadcast signal type as provided. The type of broadcast signaldetermined is selected from a group consisting of preferably (NTSC,DS-3, ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI video signals).

The preferred method further includes signaling the type of broadcastsignal determined, identifying a pair of connectors of the signalprocessing circuit servicing the type of broadcast signal determined,and plugging a jumper cable into the pair of signal processing circuitconnectors. Alternatively, the preferred method further includestransmitting a signal to an operations control station signifying thetype of broadcast signal determined, displaying the type of broadcastsignal determined on a graphical user interface of the operationscontrol station based on the transmitted signal, activating a relaysymbol provided by the graphical user interface.

Upon activation of the relay symbol, the operations control stationpreferably generates a relay activation command based on activation ofthe relay symbol, transmits the relay activation command to thedemarcation/equipment cabinet, and switching a relay of the signalprocessing circuit to configure the signal processing circuit to supportprocessing of the determined broadcast signal type.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, a method of operating thecontroller in an indirect operating mode preferably includes the stepsof: generating the provided broadcast signal with a broadcast signalgeneration circuit of the transmission relay circuit, injecting thegenerated broadcast signal into the signal processing circuit, passingthe generated broadcast signal from the signal processing circuit to aproduction truck interface panel communicating with the broadcast signalgeneration circuit, looping the generated broadcast signal from theproduction truck interface panel to the transmission relay circuit, andconfirming signal path continuity between the transmission relay circuitand the production truck interface panel.

In accordance with alternate preferred embodiments a system for airingbroadcast signals over a broadcast network preferably includes aproduction truck interface panel receiving a broadcast signal from abroadcast signal provider, a transmission relay circuit of ademarcation/equipment cabinet receiving the broadcast signal, and anoperations control station communicating with the transmission relaycircuit for displaying the type of broadcast signal determined by thebroadcast signal sensing and discerning circuit. The transmission relaycircuit preferably provides a broadcast signal sensing and discerningcircuit, and a signal processing circuit. The broadcast signal detectioncircuit is preferably configured for determining a signal type of thebroadcast signal, and the signal processing circuit is preferablyconfigured for processing the determined signal type. The type ofbroadcast signal determined is preferably selected from a groupconsisting of (NTSC, DS-3, ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI video signals).

Preferably the broadcast signal airing system further includestelevision signal receiving and transmission equipment communicatingwith the transmission relay circuit for advancing the broadcast signalalong the broadcast network. The production truck interface panelpreferably includes a signal transport circuit communicating with thetransmission relay circuit, a microcontroller communicating with theoperations control station, a test signal generator responsive to themicrocontroller generating a test signal, and a switching circuitresponsive to commands from the operations control station for switchingthe generated test signal into an out of the signal transport circuit.

In a preferred embodiment the operations control station preferablyincludes at least a microprocessor communicating with the transmissionrelay circuit, configuration control software loaded on themicroprocessor, a display responsive to the microprocessor, and agraphical user interface provided by the configuration control softwareand displayed on the display, wherein upon activation by a user of arelay symbol provided by the graphical user interface a command isissued by the microprocessor, transferred to the transmission relaycircuit and a relay of the signal processing circuit is switched toconfigure the signal processing circuit for processing the type ofbroadcast signal determined by the signal detection circuit.

These and various other features and advantages that characterize theclaimed invention will be apparent upon reading the following detaileddescription and upon review of the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of a system for airing abroadcast signal over a broadcast network.

FIG. 2 shows a partial cutaway front elevation view of a productiontruck interface panel of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway front elevation view of ademarcation/equipment cabinet of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway rear elevation view of ademarcation/equipment cabinet of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of a transmission relay circuitof the production truck interface panel of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of a signal sensing anddiscerning circuit of the transmission relay circuit of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cutaway front elevation view of aoperations control station of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of using the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an alternate method of using thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more examples of theinvention depicted in the figures. Each example is provided by way ofexplanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of theinvention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still adifferent embodiment. Other modifications and variations to thedescribed embodiments are also contemplated within the scope and spiritof the invention.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an inventive broadcast network100 for airing a broadcast signal generated by a broadcast signalprovider, such as ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC. The broadcast network100 preferably includes a production truck 102, which receives multiplesignals from television cameras recording events such as football games,baseball games, hockey games, and other events of interest. Personnelwithin the production truck 102 make decisions on a continuing basis todetermine, which camera shots will be passed on for broadcast.

On a real-time basis, the personnel within the production truck passselected camera shots in the form of a single broadcast signal and fouraudio signals, or a broadcast signal with embedded audio to a productiontruck interface panel 104. The production truck interface panel 104provides a multitude of channels for receipt of a number of broadcastsignals and their accompanying audio signals, and/or a number ofbroadcast signals with embedded audio. The production truck interfacepanel 104 also provides broadcast signals along with their accompanyingaudio, or a broadcast signal with embedded audio to the production truck102 for their own use, or for use in displaying the transmission on ascreen at a sporting event such as a JumboTron in a stadium.

Upon receipt of the broadcast signal from the production truck, theproduction truck interface panel passes for signal onto ademarcation/equipment cabinet 106. The demarcation/equipment cabinet 106determines what type of signal is being received from the productiontruck 102, i.e. whether the signal is a NTSC analog video signal, a DS-3digital video transport signal, an ASI digital video signal, a SDIdigital video transport signal, a HD-SDI digital video transport signal,or other broadcast signal.

Having determined the type of signal being received from the productiontruck 102, the demarcation/equipment cabinet 106 processes the signaland hands it off to a television signal receiving and transmissionequipment of a local loop provider 108, such as COX cable. The localloop provider 108 transports the signal to a television switching center110, which converts the television signals into telecommunicationssignals for transport across an information network backbone 112. In apreferred embodiment the information network backbone 112 passes thetelecommunications signal to a second television switching center 114.

The second television switching center 114 converts thetelecommunications signals received from the information networkbackbone 112 back into television signals, which it passes to anoperations control station 116, and a second local loop provider 118.The second local loop provider 118 passes the television signals onto amaster control station 120. The master control station 120 integratesadditional information into the television signal, such as commercials,and in a preferred embodiment passes the television signals onto atelevision broadcast antenna 122 that broadcasts the signal to asatellite transmission station 124, which broadcasts the signal for massdistribution.

The master control station 120 also passes the integrated televisionsignal back through the second local loop provider 118, to the secondtelevision switching center 114 and onto the information networkbackbone 112. The information network backbone 112 has the ability todeliver the integrated television signal worldwide, as well as back tothe first television switching center 110, the local loop provider 108,back through the demarcation/equipment cabinet to 106, the productiontruck interface panel 104, and back to the production truck 102.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the production truck interfacepanel 104, provides a bank of telephone service connections 126, whichpreferably includes nineteen telephone lines, a T-1 line split into fivelines for DSL service, one of which is connected to a modem locatedwithin the production truck interface panel 104, which provides eightDSL output ports 128. Adjacent the eight DSL output ports 128, thepreferred embodiment provides for digital television signal outputchannels 130, and four digital television signal input channels 132.

In a preferred embodiment the production truck interface panel 104further provides four additional service panels 134. Each of theadditional service panels 134 provide a video output port 136, withaccompanying audio output ports 138 for receiving signals from theproduction truck 102 (of FIG. 1), and a video input port 140 along withits accompanying audio input ports 142. In a preferred embodiment, boththe output port 136 and the input port 140 of each additional servicepanels 134 can accommodate broadcast signals that include NTSC analogvideo signals, DS-3 digital video transport signals, ASI digital videosignals, SDI digital video transport signals, and HD-SDI digital videotransport signals.

FIG. 2 further shows the production truck interface panel 104 preferablyprovides a signal transport circuit 144 (which preferably conducts thebroadcast signal through the production truck interface panel 104, andto the demarcation/equipment cabinet 106 (of FIG. 1)), a microcontroller146, a test signal generator 148 (which in a preferred embodimentgenerates a NTSC analog video signal), and a switching circuit 150(which in a preferred embodiment is a fail safe relay). Preferably, thetest signal generator 148, generates a test signal on an ongoing basis,and when called for a microcontroller 146, activates the switchingcircuit 150 to inject a test signal into circuitry housed within thedemarcation/equipment cabinet 106. The purpose for injecting the testsignal into the system is to check for continuity between the productiontruck interface panel 104 and the electronics housed within thedemarcation/equipment cabinet 106.

In FIG. 3, the demarcation/equipment cabinet 106 shows a front panel 152of a transmission relay circuit (not shown separately), preferablyincludes a plurality of BNC connectors 154, for receiving input signalsfrom the production truck interface panel 104 (of FIG. 2). It is notedthat although BNC connectors 154 are shown to be used by thetransmission relay circuit, BNC connectors 154 do not impose anylimitations on the present invention. The BNC connectors have beenselected to enhance an understanding of the present invention by thoseskilled in the art. Alternate connectors may be used in practicing theinvention without deviating from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a back panel 156, of the transmission relay circuit, whichpreferably provides a graphical representation of the signal pathsavailable for broadcast signals received from the production truckinterface panel 104 (of FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment, if thesignal received from the production truck interface panel 104 is ananalog video signal, a jumper cable such as 158, is plugged into aninput signal connector 160 and jumped across to connector 162 of ananalog signal processing path 164. However, if for example the signalreceived from the production truck interface panel 104 is a digitalsignal, a jumped cable such as 166, is plugged into an input signalconnector 168 and jumper across to connector 170 of a digital processingpath 172.

FIG. 5 shows the demarcation/equipment cabinet 106 includes atransmission relay circuit 174. The transmission relay circuit 174preferably includes four signal processing circuits, such as 176 (oneshown), accompanied by four broadcast signal sensing and discerningcircuits, such as 178 (one shown). In a preferred embodiment, thetransmission relay circuit 174 is preferably configured for servicingsignals received from the production truck interface panel 104, and forforwarding those processed signals onto the local loop provider 108.

The transmission relay circuit 174 preferably further includes fourreturn signal processing circuits, such as 180 (one shown), accompaniedby four return signal sensing and discerning circuits such as 182 (oneshown). The return signal processing circuit 180, and the return sensingand discerning circuits 182 are preferably provided, for servicingsignals received from the local loop provider 108, which are processed,and forwarded to the production truck interface panel 104 for deliveryto the production truck 102.

In a preferred embodiment the signal processing circuits 176 includesthe analog path 164 and the digital path 172. The analog path 164 ispreferably configured for processing NTSC analog video signals, and thedigital path 172 is preferably configured for processing digital videosignals, such as ASI digital video signals, and DS-3, SDI, and HD-SDIvideo transport signals. For processing NTSC analog video signals, theanalog path 164 preferably includes at least an analog video isolationtransformer 184, a video distribution amplifier 186, and an analog videocodec 188. The analog video codec 188 outputs a DS-3 analog videotransport signal, which is provided to the local loop provider 108. Forprocessing ASI digital video signals; and DS-3, SDI, and HD-SDI digitalvideo transport signals, the digital path 172 preferably includes aconductive path 190 that bypasses the analog path 164 to pass the signalreceived from signal transport circuit 144 to the local loop provider108.

In a preferred embodiment the return signal processing circuit 180includes the analog path 192 and the digital path 194. The analog path192 is preferably configured for processing DS-3 digital video signalsreceived from the local loop provider 108, and converting the receivedDS-3 digital video signals into NTSC analog video signals for deliveryto the production truck interface panel 104, and onto the productiontruck 102. The digital path 194 is preferably configured for digitalvideo signals, such as ASI digital video signals; and DS-3, SDI, andHD-SDI digital video transport signals. For processing DS-3 digitalvideo signals, the analog path 192 preferably includes at least ananalog video codec 196, and a video distribution amplifier 198. Theanalog video codec 196 receives DS-3 analog video transport signal andprovides NTSC analog video signals. For processing ASI digital videosignals; and DS-3, SDI, and HD-SDI digital video transport signalsreceived from the local loop provider 108, the digital path 194preferably includes a conductive path 200 that bypasses the analog path192 to pass the signal received from the local loop provider 108, to thesignal transport circuit 144, and onto the production truck 102.

FIG. 5 further shows the signal processing circuits 176 preferablyfurther includes an ASI digital video signal generator 202, and thereturn signal processing circuit 180 preferably further includes a SDIdigital video transport signal generator 204. In either case, the signalgenerators are left in a signal generating mode as long as power issupplied to the transmission relay circuit 174, and are utilized forsystem testing purposes.

To operate the ASI digital video signal generator 202, a microcontroller206 of the signal sensing and discerning circuit 178 activates a relay208, which in a preferred embodiment is a fail safe relay, that is arelay the returns to a known state in response to a loss of power. Tooperate the SDI digital video transport signal generator 204, amicrocontroller 210 of the return signal sensing and discerning circuit182 activates a relay 212, which in a preferred embodiment is also afail safe relay. Activation of either the ASI digital video signalgenerator 202, or the SDI digital video transport signal generator 204causes a corresponding test signal to be injected into the broadcastnetwork 100 (of FIG. 1).

In addition to the microcontroller 206, the signal sensing anddiscerning circuit 178 further includes a signal detector 214, whichwill be covered in greater detail during the discussion of FIG. 6. In apreferred embodiment, the signal detector 214 is configured to determinewhat type of broadcast signal is being provided by the production truck102. Upon determining which type of signal is being provided by theproduction truck 102, the signal detector 214 provides that informationto the microcontroller 206.

Based on the signal type determined by the signal detector 214, themicrocontroller 206 activates relays 216 and 218, which in a preferredembodiment are latching relays, i.e. relays that remain in the state inwhich they were last placed. Activation of relays 216 and 218 switchesin the analog path 164 when the determined signal is an analog typevideo signal, and switches in digital path 172 when the determinedsignal is a digital video type signal.

In addition to the microcontroller 210, the signal sensing anddiscerning circuit 182 further includes a signal detector 220, whichwill be covered in greater detail during the discussion of FIG. 6. In apreferred embodiment, the signal detector 214 is configured to determinewhat type of broadcast signal is being provided by the local loopprovider 108. Upon determining which type of signal is being provided bythe local loop provider 108, the signal detector 220 provides thatinformation to the microcontroller 210.

Based on the signal type determined by the signal detector 220, themicrocontroller 206 activates relays 222 and 224, which in a preferredembodiment are latching relays. Activation of relays 222 and 224switches in the analog path 164 when the determined signal is DS-3digital video transport signal, and switches in digital path 194 whenthe determined signal is an ASI digital signal, a SDI digital videotransport signal, or a HD-SDI digital video transport signal.

FIG. 6 shows the signal sensing and discerning circuit 178 includes anisolation/buffer amplifier 226, which is selected to appear as a highimpedance device to the signal received from the production truck 102(of FIG. 1). The isolation/buffer amplifier 226 passes the signalreceived from the production truck 102 to: a NTSC signal analysiscircuit 228, which includes a low bypass filter 230 and a NTSC signaldetector 232; a DS-3 signal analysis circuit 234, which includes a bandpass filter 236, and a DS-3 signal detector 238; and a combination ASI,SDI, and HD-SDI signal analysis circuit 240, which includes a lineinterface 242, and a combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signal detector244.

The signal sensing and discerning circuit 178 further includes the logiccircuit 246. The logic circuit 246 works in conjunction with the NTSCsignal analysis circuit 228, the DS-3 signal analysis circuit 234; andthe a combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signal analysis circuit 240 todetermine the type of signal that is being received from the productiontruck 102.

The logic circuit 246 provides an output signal to a NTSC relay 248reporting the presence of a NTSC analog video signal type of broadcastsignal when the logic circuit 246 receives a signal from the NTSC signalanalysis circuit 228, and no signals from the DS-3 signal analysiscircuit 234, or the combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signal analysiscircuit 240.

The logic circuit 246 provides an output signal to a DS-3 relay 250reporting the presence of a DS-3 digital video transport signal type ofbroadcast signal when the logic circuit 246 receives a signal from theDS-3 signal analysis circuit 234, and no signals from the NTSC signalanalysis circuit 228, or the combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signalanalysis circuit 240.

The logic circuit 246 provides an output signal to an ASI relay 252reporting the presence of an ASI digital video signal type of broadcastsignal when the logic circuit 246 receives an ASI signal from thecombination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signal analysis circuit 240, and nosignal from the NTSC signal analysis circuit 228, or the DS-3 signalanalysis circuit 234.

The logic circuit 246 provides an output signal to a SDI relay 254reporting the presence of a SDI digital video transport signal type ofbroadcast signal when the logic circuit 246 receives an SDI signal fromthe combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signal analysis circuit 240, and nosignal from the NTSC signal analysis circuit 228, or the DS-3 signalanalysis circuit 234.

The logic circuit 246 provides an output signal to a HD-SDI relay 256reporting the presence of a HD-SDI digital video transport signal typeof broadcast signal when the logic circuit 246 receives an HD-SDI signalfrom the combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signal analysis circuit 240,and no signal from the NTSC signal analysis circuit 228, or the DS-3signal analysis circuit 234.

The logic circuit 246 provides an output signal to a no signal relay 258reporting no signal present if no signals are present from the NTSCsignal analysis circuit 228, the DS-3 signal analysis circuit 234, orthe combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signal analysis circuit 240. Thelogic circuit 246 further provide an output signal to the no signalrelay 258 reporting no signal present if a signal is present on any twoor more of the NTSC signal analysis circuit 228, the DS-3 signalanalysis circuit 234, and the combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI signalanalysis circuit 240.

FIG. 6 further shows: the NTSC signal detector 232 provides a NTSCstatus line 260 for providing a status signal to the logic circuit 246,when a NTSC analog video signal is detected; the DS-3 signal detector238 provides a DS-3 status line 262 for providing a status signal to thelogic circuit 246, when a DS-3 digital video transport signal isdetected; and a combination ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI provides an ASI statusline 264 for providing a status signal to the logic circuit 246, when anASI digital video signal is detected, and a SDI status line 266 forproviding a status signal to the logic circuit 246, when a SDI digitaltransport signal is detected, and a HD-SDI status line 266 for providinga status signal to the logic circuit 246, when a HD-SDI digitaltransport signal is detected.

The operations control station 116 shown by FIG. 7 preferably includes amicroprocessor 270 communicating with the transmission relay circuit 174(of FIG. 5), configuration control software (not shown separately)loaded on the microprocessor 270, a display 272 responsive to themicroprocessor 270, in a graphical user interface 274 provided by theconfiguration control software and displayed on the display 272. Thegraphical user interface 274 provides a relay symbol 276, which whenclicked or activated by a user provides an input to the configurationcontrol software, to issue a command to the transmission relay circuit174 to switch the signal processing circuit 176 (of FIG. 5) to aconfiguration consistent with the type of broadcast signal determined bythe signal sensing and discerning circuit 178.

Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a flow chart 300, which depicts amethod for broadcasting a signal over a broadcast network (such as 100).The method commences at start process step 302, and proceeds to processstep 304, with providing a broadcast to a signal transmission relaycircuit (such as 174), of a demarcation/equipment cabinet (such as 106).At process step 306, the type of broadcast signal provided is determinedby a signal sensing and discerning circuit (such as 178), and at processstep 308, a signal processing circuit (such as 176) is reconfigured whenthe configuration of the signal processing circuit does not supporttransmission of the determined broadcast signal type.

At process step 310, the signal sensing and discerning circuit signals,or transmits a signal identifying the type of broadcast determined bythe signal sensing and discerning circuit. Following process step 310,the process proceeds with process step 312. At process step 312, a pairof connectors (such as 160 and 162) of the signal processing circuitthat service the determined type of broadcast signal are identified, andat process step 314, a jumper cable (such as 158) is plugged across thepair of identifying connectors to switch in the processing circuitassociated with the identified that broadcast signal.

At process step 316, the signal processing circuit is configured forprocessing a digital signal when the broadcast signal is determined tobe a digital signal. At process step 318, the digital signal istransported across the backbone of an information network (such as 112).At process step 320, an alert is issued to an operations control station(such as 116), and/or to a microcontroller (such as 206) when a changein state of the transmission relay circuit is detected. At process step322, the change in state is logged in a memory of the operations controlstation, and/or the microcontroller, and the process concludes at endprocess step 324.

Alternatively, following process step 314, the process proceeds toprocess step 326. At process step 326, the processing circuit isconfigured for processing an analog video signal when the broadcastsignal type is determined to be an analog video signal. At process step328, the provided analog video signal is converted to a digital videotransport signal, and passed to the backbone of the information networkat process step 318. Following process step 318, the digital videotransport signal is provided by the backbone of the information networkto a master control station (such as 120) at process step 330, and theprocess concludes at end process step 324.

Alternatively, following process step 310, the process proceeds toprocess step 332. At process step 332, a relay (such as 218) is selectedfor use in configuring the signal processing circuit. At process step334, a relay is activated to connect the provided broadcast signal tothe signal processing circuit configured for processing the determinedbroadcast signal type.

At process step 336, the activated relay is latched in the process andproceeds to process step 326. At process step 326, the processingcircuit is configured for processing an analog video signal when thebroadcast signal type is determined to be an analog video signal. Atprocess step 328, the provided analog video signal is converted to adigital video transport signal, and passed to the backbone of theinformation network at process step 318. Following process step 318, thedigital video transport signal is provided by the backbone of theinformation network to the master control station at process step 330,and the process concludes at end process step 324.

Alternatively, following latching relay process step 336, the processproceeds to process step 338, where the processing circuit is configuredfor processing digital video signals in a received broadcast signals aredetermined to be digital video signals. Following process step 338, thedigital video signals are passed to the backbone of the informationnetwork at process step 318. At process step 330, the digital videosignals are provided to the master control station at process step 330,and the process concludes at end process step 324.

Alternatively, following process step 310, the process proceeds toprocess step 340. At process step 340, the type of broadcast signaldetermined is displayed on a display (such as 272), of an operationscontrol station (such as 116). At process step 342, the operationscontrol station issues a command to the transmission relay circuit toconfigure the processing circuit in accordance with the signal typedisplayed on the display, and the process proceeds to process step 336.

At process step 336, the activated relay is latched in the process andproceeds to process step 326. At process step 326, the processingcircuit is configured for processing an analog video signal when thebroadcast signal type is determined to be an analog video signal. Atprocess step 328, the provided analog video signal is converted to adigital video transport signal, and passed to the backbone of theinformation network at process step 318. Following process step 318, thedigital video transport signal is provided by the backbone of theinformation network to the master control station at process step 330,and the process concludes at end process step 324.

Alternatively, following latching relay process step 336, the processproceeds to process step 338, where the processing circuit is configuredfor processing digital video signals in a received broadcast signals aredetermined to be digital video signals. Following process step 338, thedigital video signals are passed to the backbone of the informationnetwork at process step 318. At process step 330, the digital videosignals are provided to the master control station at process step 330,and the process concludes at end process step 324.

Alternatively, following process step 310, the process proceeds toprocess step 344. At process step 344, the type of broadcast signaldetermined is displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI) (such as277), of the operations control station. At process step 346, a symbolof a relay (such as 276) is activated on the GUI, and the operationscontrol station generates a command to fire the relay (such as relay216, and/or relay 218) at process step 348. At process step 350, theoperations control station transmits the command to fire the relay tothe transmission relay circuit. At process step 352, the microcontrollerof the sensing and discerning circuit fires the relay to reconfigure thesignal processing circuit, and the process proceeds to process step 336.

At process step 336, the activated relay is latched in the process andproceeds to process step 326. At process step 326, the processingcircuit is configured for processing an analog video signal when thebroadcast signal type is determined to be an analog video signal. Atprocess step 328, the provided analog video signal is converted to adigital video transport signal, and passed to the backbone of theinformation network at process step 318. Following process step 318, thedigital video transport signal is provided by the backbone of theinformation network to the master control station at process step 330,and the process concludes at end process step 324.

Alternatively, following latching relay process step 336, the processproceeds to process step 338, where the processing circuit is configuredfor processing digital video signals in a received broadcast signals aredetermined to be digital video signals. Following process step 338, thedigital video signals are passed to the backbone of the informationnetwork at process step 318. At process step 330, the digital videosignals are provided to the master control station at process step 330,an the process concludes at end process step 324.

Turning now to FIG. 9, shown therein is a flow chart 400, which depictsa method for confirming continuity between the demarcation/equipmentcabinet broadcasting and a production truck interface panel (such as104). The method commences at start process step 402, and proceeds toprocess step 404, with generating a broadcast signal with a broadcastsignal generator (such as NTSC test signal generator 148). At processstep 406, the generated signal is provided to the demarcation/equipmentcabinet. At process step 408, the signal is injected into the signalprocessing circuit (176) and the signal sensing and discerning circuit(178). At process step 410, the signal type of the injected signal isdetermined, and the process proceeds to process step 412.

At process step 412, the processing circuit is reconfigured, whendetermined signal type is not supported by the current configuration ofthe processing circuit. At process step 414, the generated broadcastsignal is passed from the signal processing circuit to the productiontruck interface panel. At process step 416, the broadcast signal islooped from the production truck interface panel back to thetransmission relay circuit. At process step 418, the continuity betweenthe demarcation/equipment cabinet broadcasting and a production truckinterface panel is confirmed, and the process concludes at end processstep 420.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attainthe ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein.While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposesof this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readilysuggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassedby the appended claims.

1. A system for airing broadcast signals over a broadcast networkcomprising: an interface panel receiving a broadcast signal from abroadcast signal provider; a transmission relay circuit of ademarcation/equipment cabinet receiving the broadcast signal from theinterface panel, the transmission relay circuit providing a signalsensing and discerning circuit and a signal processing circuit, thesignal sensing and discerning circuit configured for determining asignal type of the broadcast signal, and the signal processing circuitconfigured for processing the determined signal type, wherein the typeof broadcast signal determined is selected from a group consisting of(NTSC, DS-3, ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI video signals); an operations controlstation communicating with the transmission relay circuit for displayingthe type of broadcast signal determined by the signal sensing anddiscerning circuit; wherein the interface panel comprises: a signaltransport circuit communicating with the transmission relay circuit; anda microcontroller communicating with the operations control station; atest signal generator responsive to the microcontroller generating atest signal, wherein the interface panel further comprises a switchingcircuit responsive to commands from the operations control station forswitching the generated test signal into and out of the signal transportcircuit; and a television signal receiving and transmission equipmentcommunicating with the transmission relay circuit for advancing thebroadcast signal along the broadcast network.
 2. The broadcast signalairing system of claim 1, further comprising a production truckgenerating the broadcast signal received by the interface panel.
 3. Thebroadcast signal airing system of claim 1, in which the operationscontrol station comprises: a microprocessor communicating with thetransmission relay circuit; configuration control software loaded on themicroprocessor; a display responsive to the microprocessor; and agraphical user interface provided by the configuration control softwareand displayed on the display, wherein upon activation by a user of arelay symbol provided by the graphical user interface a command isissued by the microprocessor, transferred to the transmission relaycircuit and a relay of the signal processing circuit is switched toconfigure the signal processing circuit for processing the type ofbroadcast signal determined by the signal sensing and discerningcircuit.
 4. A combination comprising: an interface panel receiving abroadcast signal from a broadcast signal provider; a transmission relaycircuit of a demarcation/equipment cabinet communicating with theinterface panel and receiving the broadcast signal from the interfacepanel, the transmission relay circuit providing a signal sensing anddiscerning circuit and a signal processing circuit, the signal sensingand discerning circuit configured for determining a signal type of thebroadcast signal and the signal processing circuit configured forprocessing the determined signal type, wherein the type of broadcastsignal determined is selected from a group consisting of (NTSC, DS-3,ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI video signals); an operations control station incommunication with the transmission relay circuit for displaying thetype of broadcast signal determined by the signal detection circuit,wherein the operations control station comprises: a microprocessorcommunicating with the transmission relay circuit; configuration controlsoftware loaded on the microprocessor; a display responsive to themicroprocessor; and a graphical user interface provided by theconfiguration control software and displayed on the display, whereinupon activation by a user of a relay symbol provided by the graphicaluser interface a command is issued by the microprocessor, transferred tothe transmission relay circuit and a relay of the signal processingcircuit is switched to configure the signal processing circuit forprocessing the type of broadcast signal determined by the signal sensingand discerning circuit; and steps for airing a broadcast signal over abroadcast network.
 5. The combination of claim 4, in which the signalprocessing circuit is configured by steps comprising: signaling the typeof broadcast signal determined; selecting a relay disposed between andcommunicating with the provided broadcast signal and the signalprocessing circuit configured for processing the determined broadcastsignal type; activating the relay to connect the provided broadcastsignal to the signal processing circuit configured for processing thedetermined broadcast signal type; issuing an alert when a change ofstate of the transmission relay circuit is detected; and logging alldetected changes of state of the transmission relay circuit.
 6. Thecombination of claim 4, further comprising a production truck generatingthe broadcast signal received by the interface panel.
 7. A system forairing broadcast signals over a broadcast network comprising: aninterface panel receiving a broadcast signal; a transmission relaycircuit of a demarcation/equipment cabinet receiving the broadcastsignal from the interface panel, the transmission relay circuitproviding a signal sensing and discerning circuit and a signalprocessing circuit, the signal sensing and discerning circuit configuredfor determining a signal type of the broadcast signal, and the signalprocessing circuit configured for processing the determined signal type,wherein the type of broadcast signal determined is selected from a groupconsisting of (NTSC, DS-3, ASI, SDI, and HD-SDI video signals); anoperations control station communicating with the transmission relaycircuit for displaying the type of broadcast signal determined by thesignal sensing and discerning circuit, wherein the operations controlstation comprises: a microprocessor communicating with the transmissionrelay circuit; configuration control software loaded on themicroprocessor; a display responsive to the microprocessor; and agraphical user interface provided by the configuration control softwareand displayed on the display, wherein upon activation by a user of arelay symbol provided by the graphical user interface a command isissued by the microprocessor, transferred to the transmission relaycircuit and a relay of the signal processing circuit is switched toconfigure the signal processing circuit for processing the type ofbroadcast signal determined by the signal sensing and discerningcircuit; and a television signal receiving and transmission equipmentcommunicating with the transmission relay circuit for advancing thebroadcast signal along the broadcast network.
 8. The broadcast signalairing system of claim 7, further comprising a production truckgenerating the broadcast signal received by the interface panel.